Preview: What To Expect From Oklahoma Football In 2023

This is a show-don't-tell season for Oklahoma football. Having your first losing season in 25 years right before jumping to superior conference opponents in the SEC is not the best timing.

While the Sooners’ track record implies they’ll get back to being a top program, they are facing unprecedented circumstances. For Oklahoma’s final season in the Big 12, there will be big expectations in turning the program around after Lincoln Riley’s departure. Reestablishing themselves so drastically in such a short period of time will be difficult. 

A Look Back At 2022 For Oklahoma Football

The Sooners finished with a record of 6-7 last year under first-year head coach Brent Venables, which placed them seventh in their conference. The biggest change on the field from 2021 to this prior season was the defense being much less effective than it was prior. In 2021, the Sooners were an average defense with a rushing defense that was ranked fourth in the conference. In 2022, the rushing defense dropped to eighth, and the Sooners also had the conference’s worst passing defense. Their dip to a bottom-tier defense couldn’t make up for an offense that was still able to maintain its effectiveness. While their offense did have a bit of a drop-off, their passing average per game dropped from second in 2021 to sixth in 2022. It was still overall a positive and not as steep of a decline that the departure of Lincoln Riley could have led to. 

Oklahoma Sooners Offensive Preview

Dillion Gabriel will continue to be the starting quarterback for this Sooner squad his senior year, while his likely replacement in 2024, Jackson Arnold, will be getting action when needed. Returning wide receivers Jalil Farooq and Drake Stoops will have another receiver added to their core in Michigan transfer Andel Anthony, who should get a bigger role with the Sooners. The transfer portal was useful in aiding the offensive line, with Stanford and Miami transfers Walter Rouse and Caleb Shaffer. 

Oklahoma Sooners Defensive Preview

If the Sooners do improve this season, a lot of it will have to come from the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker Danny Stutsman will continue to be a key part of the defense coming into his junior year, and with the departures of fellow linebackers David Ugwoegbu to the University of Houston and DaShaun White to the NFL's Buffalo Bills, there will be opportunities. Transfer Dasan McCullough from Indiana University and junior Shane Whitter will likely get an opportunity to make an impact. For the Sooners tackles, Notre Dame transfer Jacob Lacey will get an opportunity with returning players Ethan Downs and Reggie Grimes to show out. 

With the amount of incoming transfers, Venables seems to understand the importance of making sure all players, new and returning, are on the same page in turning the program around. He told News 9, “The key to our success is to take all these newcomers and [see] how quickly we can get them all to buy in.” 

What To Do While In Norman, Okla.

Before kickoff, a journey to Campus Corner is a must for every visitor. Situated adjacent to the university, this bustling district offers an array of unique boutiques, charming cafes, and local shops. The lively ambiance, adorned in crimson and cream, radiates the Sooners' pride and provides an immersive experience for fans and visitors alike.

The Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is located in the southeast corner of OU’s campus. 

A bit away from the Game Day hustle and bustle, it's going to be worth the drive -- and tough to beat a Bad Daddy's burger!

North of campus along Main Street is one of Norman's freshest taprooms, Legally Brewed. They don't make food on the premises, but you can bring your own food (really!) -- and it's a kid-friendly establishment, as long as they're accompanied by a 21-or-older adult.

Stay on Main Street for dinner and a visit to a Norman staple: Victoria's Pasta Shop. Victoria’s has been in Norman for more than 30 years, most of which was spent at their location along Campus Corner. While their location has since moved almost 2 miles north of the Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, their tasty Italian is still a Norman classic.